This thesis deals with concept of universal frequency filter by application of a switched-capacitor functional block. The concept is based on the theory of switched-capacitor circuits and the theory of a design of classical frequency filters. The printed circuit board was designed based on the filter connection developed by using a software Eagle. The filter was implemented as a laboratory product. This product has been revitalized and the frequency response of all types of filters has been measured. The measured parameters were compared with the parameters set out in the technical documentation of functional block.

In neural implants and biohybrid research systems, the integration of electrode recording and stimulation front-ends with pre-processing circuitry promises a drastic increase in real-time capabilities [1,6]. In our proposed neural recording system, constant sampling with a bandwidth of 9.8kHz yields 6.73μV input-referred noise (IRN) at a power-per-channel of 0.34μW for the time-continuous ΔΣ−modulator, and 0.52μW for the digital filters and spike detectors. We introduce dynamic current/bandwidth selection at the ΔΣ and digital filter to reduce recording bandwidth at the absence of spikes (i.e. local field potentials). This is controlled by a two-level spike detection and adjusted by adaptive threshold estimation (ATE). Dynamic bandwidth selection reduces power by 53.7%, increasing the available channel count at a low heat dissipation. Adaptive back-gate voltage tuning (ABGVT) compensates for PVT variation in subthreshold circuits. This allows 1.8V input/output (IO) devices to operate at 0.4V supply voltage robustly. The proposed 64-channel neural recording system moreover includes a 16-channel adaptive compression engine (ACE) and an 8-channel on-chip current stimulator at 3.3V. The stimulator supports field-shaping approaches, promising increased selectivity in future research.

This thesis deals with the synthesis and optimization of frequency analogue filters with modern active elements usable for higher frequencies. The thesis is divided into three parts, the first part deals with the problematic concerning Leap-Frog combined ARC structure. Due to a difficult design, this method is not described in a detail and used in practice, although it shows e.g. low sensitivity. Firstly, a complete analysis of individual filters was made (for and T endings) and consequently these findings were used during implementation of this method to NAF program. Finally, samples of real filters were realized (for verification of functioning and correct design). Another very interesting topic concerning filters is usage of coupled band-pass for small bandwidth, where it is necessary to solve the problems concerning ratio of building elements values, but also price, quality, size of coils, sensitivity, Q factors, coefficients etc. That is why in practice a coil is very often substituted with other equivalent lossy and lossless blocks which create ARC filters structure. The design and the possibility of usage of lossy grounded elements were described here (such as synthetic inductors, frequency dependent negative resistor). Some parts of the design are individual computer sensitivity analysis, setting of usage and quality comparison of individual lossy grounded blocks. Besides, a program for these elements was created, it is useful for a quick design and depiction of transfer characteristics. The third part deals with the usage of tuning universal filters consisting three or more operational amplifiers, which secures its universality and possibility to create different kinds of transfer characteristic. In practice, Akerberg - Mossberg and Kerwin - Huelsman - Newcomb are the most used types of filters. These were also compared with less common universal filters. In the end, the possibility of digital tuning of universal filter with the help of digital potentiometers for filters of 10th order and frequency around 1 MHz was shown.

Ultraprecision single point diamond turning is required to produce parts with sub-nanometer surface roughness and sub-micrometer surface profiles tolerances. These parts have applications in the optics industry, where tight form accuracy is required while achieving high surface finish quality. Generally, parts can be polished to achieve the desired finish, but then the form accuracy can easily be lost in the process rendering the part unusable. Currently, most mid to low spatial frequency surface finish errors are inspected offline. This is done by physically removing the workpiece from the machining fixture and mounting the part in a laser interferometer. This action introduces errors in itself through minute differences in the support conditions of the over constrained part on a machine as compared to the mounting conditions used for part measurement. Once removed, the fixture induced stresses and the part’s internal residual stresses relax and change the shape of the generally thin parts machined in these applications. Thereby, the offline inspection provides an erroneous description of the performance of the machine. This research explores the use of a single, high resolution, capacitance sensor to quickly and qualitatively measure the low to mid spatial frequencies on the workpiece surface, while it is mounted in a fixture on a standard ultraprecision single point diamond turning machine after a standard facing operation. Following initial testing, a strong qualitative correlation exists between the surface profiling on a standard offline system and this online measuring system. Despite environmental effects and the effects of the machine on the measurement system, the capacitive system with some modifications and awareness of its measurement method is a viable option for measuring mid to low spatial frequencies on a workpiece surface mounted on an ultraprecision machine with a resolution of 1nm with an error band of ±5nm with a 20kHz bandwidth. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)